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Can a GLP-1 actually change your fertility? For many women with PMOS (formerly called PCOS), the answer may be yes, and that changes everything from birth control to baby planning. Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Sasha Hakman walks through the whole arc: how GLP-1-assisted weight loss can help restart ovulation, why the guidance is still to stop two months before trying to conceive, what early data suggests if you get pregnant while on one, and why some birth control pills may be less reliable on these medications. Then she and Ana get honest about prenatals, breastfeeding, the pressure to "bounce back" after a baby, and a pattern she has noticed in a handful of men's semen analyses.
IN THIS EPISODE
- What a fertility doctor does besides IVF
- How PMOS (formerly PCOS) disrupts ovulation, and how GLP-1-assisted weight loss can help restore it
- Why you still stop a GLP-1 two months before trying to conceive
- Metformin as a bridge, and why pregnancy weight gain can be harder after stopping
- What early data suggests about pregnancies that happen while on a GLP-1
- What to do if you find out you're pregnant on a GLP-1
- Early, experimental reports from women with endometriosis
- Why birth control pills may be less reliable on a GLP-1, and which options are less affected
- How GLP-1s can make irregular cycles more predictable
- Why every woman of reproductive age should take a prenatal, and the folic acid vs. methylfolate debate
- Prenatals after 60 and the iron question
- Breastfeeding, milk supply, and when to restart a GLP-1 after delivery
- The postpartum "bounce back" pressure, and why you should give yourself time
- GLP-1s and men's fertility, plus why men should prepare at least three months before trying
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Sasha Hakman, MD, is a Los Angeles-based, double board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She cares for patients across the full range of reproductive medicine, from fertility testing and optimization before trying to conceive to recurrent pregnancy loss and IVF.
She is the Medical Advisor to Bird&Be, doctor-formulated prenatal and fertility supplements. She is also the host of the podcast Trying with Dr. Hakman, where she covers fertility, hormones, pregnancy, postpartum, and women's health.
CONNECT WITH DR. SASHA HAKMAN
Website: https://www.sashahakmanmd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashahakmanmd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sashahakmanmd
Trying with Dr. Hakman (podcast on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@tryingpodwithdrhakman
SPONSORS
This episode is brought to you by Tyde Wellness, the GLP-1 provider Ana uses, with nutrition guidance built for GLP-1s, consults with independent licensed providers, and a care team that answers when something comes up. Go to https://tydewellness.com/GLP1Hub and use code GLP1Hub50 for $50 off your first month.
This episode is also brought to you by Timeline. When you buy a one-month supply of Mitopure Gummies, you'll get a free Discovery Size Mitopure Firming Serum, an $85 value. Go to https://www.timeline.com/glp1bundle to claim yours.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Can a GLP-1 change your fertility?
00:31 Intro
01:42 Welcome, Dr. Sasha Hakman
02:10 What a fertility doctor actually does
03:37 GLP-1s, PMOS, and ovulation
06:52 Why you stop two months before trying to conceive
08:04 Metformin and pregnancy weight after stopping
09:29 What the data shows if you conceive on a GLP-1
09:57 Pregnant on a GLP-1? What to do next
10:47 Endometriosis and early reports
12:10 Birth control that may be less reliable on a GLP-1
13:27 GLP-1s and your menstrual cycle
15:16 Sponsor: Tyde Wellness
16:31 Eating for pregnancy when your appetite is small
18:01 Why every reproductive-age woman needs a prenatal
18:35 Folic acid vs. methylfolate
20:54 Prenatals after 60 and the iron question
22:41 Breastfeeding and restarting a GLP-1
25:36 The postpartum bounce-back pressure
29:24 Sponsor: Timeline
30:32 GLP-1s and men's fertility
32:19 Why not everyone needs a GLP-1
33:26 Men's prenatals and the three-month window
34:42 Where to find Dr. Hakman
35:46 Ana's final thoughts
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*The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The goal of this show is to provide various points of view about GLP-1 Medications. The personal and professional opinion of the guests and their content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Ana Reisdorf or GLP-1 Hub.
